Bill > H0002

This bill modifies Vermont's juvenile justice system by increasing the minimum age for delinquency proceedings and extending judicial jurisdiction for young offenders. Specifically, the bill raises the minimum age for delinquency proceedings from 10 to 12 years old and extends the age at which a person can be considered a "child" in the judicial system from 19 to 20 years old, with additional provisions for 19-year-olds. The bill allows jurisdiction over a child with a delinquency case to be extended until six months beyond the child's 20th birthday if they were 16 or 17 when the offense occurred, until six months beyond their 21st birthday if they were 18 when the offense occurred, and until their 22nd birthday if they were 19 when the offense occurred. The legislation also requires the Agency of Human Services to provide progress reports on implementing the "Raise the Age" initiative, which includes establishing residential facilities, expanding treatment programs, and developing services to support young people transitioning to adulthood. The bill's various sections will take effect at different times between March 31, 2025, and July 1, 2027, with the primary implementation of the age changes set for July 1, 2027.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.2